AP � Iran has been told it could face suspension from the Asian Cup in January over a law interfering in the national soccer federation�s independence.

The Asian Football Confederation says it is �closely monitoring the current issues� with its top-ranked team, and will not tolerate �third-party interference in their member associations.�

The Malaysia-based AFC says Iran�s parliament announced a law �designating the (soccer federation) as a non-government public body and prohibiting the engagement of retired personnel.�

The AFC says it hopes Iran�s soccer body �can maintain its independence and avoid any sanctions� less than two months before the Asian Cup starts in the United Arab Emirates.

Iran, the best Asian team at No. 30 in FIFA�s rankings, plays its opening game Jan. 7 against Yemen in Abu Dhabi. The group includes Iraq and Vietnam.